Christ on the Cross with the Virgin and Saint John
1542
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1542
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This black-and-white print shows a crucifixion scene. Christ is nailed to a cross, arms spread wide, with a crown of thorns on his head. Below him, a woman in a headscarf stands with her hands clasped, while a younger figure reaches upward. Angels float in the background, and Latin text appears on scrolls. Notice the tiny, detailed cross-hatching in the clouds and fabric—it creates depth with just lines. The artist used this technique to make shadows and light. Next, look up how cross-hatching works in engravings.
